Josh Giddey has told the Chicago Bulls how much he wants to be paid, and it’s as much as a nine-time All-Star.
Josh Giddey is a restricted free agent this offseason, and is seeking a new contract from the Chicago Bulls. The young talent may be forced into taking an $11.1 million qualifying offer for next year before exploring free agency if the Bulls won’t match his demands.
Reports have revealed Giddey’s asking price from the Bulls, and the two parties are worlds apart. He values himself as much as a nine-time All-Star and NBA Champion.
Josh Giddey wants to be paid as much as Kyrie Irving
Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists with the Bulls last season. In his most impactful game of the season, he dished 11 against the LA Lakers in March before hitting a game-winner.
He turns 23 next season, and according to the DallasHoopsJournal, Giddey is asking for a four-year, $120 million deal from Chicago. Meanwhile, the Bulls have only offered Giddey a four-year, $80 million contract.
A $120 million deal is the same amount Kyrie Irving received from the Dallas Mavericks when he re-signed last season.
Giddey’s contract looked to be agreed recently, when his teammate, Matas Buzelis, posted a pen and paper emoji and tagged Giddey on Instagram. That looked to hamper the Golden State Warriors’ plans, who sought a sign-and-trade for Giddey in their ongoing contract saga with Kuminga.
The Bulls missed the playoffs with Giddey last season and haven’t won a series since 2015. They are now faced with a pivotal decision for their franchise’s future when deciding whether to commit to Giddey long-term.
Josh Giddey faces the same dilemma as Jonathan Kuminga
Both Jonathan Kuminga for the Warriors and Giddey for the Bulls face a similar decision. Take less than what they believe they are worth, or take their chances in free agency next season.
Taking a qualifying offer comes with risks. Both would need to have career-best years in order to boost their value. An injury or dip in form could ruin their chances of receiving the contracts they are being offered now, let alone getting greater offers elsewhere.
Teams have shown interest in both players. The Warriors have enquired about Giddey, meanwhile the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have shown willingness to sign Kuminga next offseason.
The decision is simpler for Giddey than Kuminga, admittedly. Kuminga doesn’t want to be a Warrior, having claimed the team have stunted his growth when they didn’t play him down the stretch of last season.
Giddey’s situation comes down to money. If he is willing to take a pay cut to ensure he receives his first big contract, then he can take the $80 million from Chicago. If not, then he can roll the dice and hope for a breakout season next year.